Landing method and apparatus for flying machines



.1. J. BRAUN July 29, 1930.

LANDING METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR FLYING MACHINES Filed 001:. 11. '1927 a M M j fl n 4 m M 2 H M 2 T 4 Patented July 29, 1930 J'OHANN JULIUS BRAUN, OF MARBACH, GERMANY LANDING METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR FLYING MACHINES Application filed October 11 1927. Serial No. 225,577.

This invention relates to an improved method and apparatus for safe landing from t an airplane. v

As is well known airplanes like any other machine regardless of how well they. may be constructed and piloted are liable while in operation to get out of order and it is not always possible to make a safe landing in the machine. The occupants of the machine,

' in order to avoid personal injury must then jump from the machine with the aid of some retarding device.

The most commonly used device for land ing from an airplane is the well known parachute which is not certain of operation due to the fact that theropes sometimes become tangled and in cases where the airplane suddenly falls or catches afire it is practically impossible to make use of a parachute in an 20.. attempt to land from the plane.

' The primary object of my invention is a method and apparatus whereby the occupant of the airplane is immediately separated from the plane at the instant any trouble occurs and thereafter slowly descends to a land mg.

A further object of my invention is 'the provision of readily accessible means to effect a ready separation from the plane.

A still further object of my invention is the provision of readily accessible and quick operating means to effect a safe landing after separation from the plane.

. With these objects in view as well as others that may become-apparent from the following specification reference will be had to the accompanying drawings forming a part thereof and, in which:

Figure 1 is a vertical sectional view through a separating or ejecting device forming the seat in an airplane, the device being shown in a collapsed or operative position and a portion of a plane being shown in dotted lines.

Figure 2 isa similar view but with the device in an expanded or non-operative position. 7

Figure 3 is a front view of a person equipped with an inflatable suit or wrap a.) forming a part of my invention, the suit or wrap being illustrated in an inflated condi ion.

Figure 4 is a more or less diagrammatic View illustrating the application of the apparatus wherein the airplane is beginning to descend and the occupant has been ejected therefrom.

Referring to the drawings by reference characters wherein like characters designate like parts, 10 designates an airplane provided with the usual opening 11 to accommodate passenger and within which the seat is arranged.

The seat in accordance with my invention comprises an ejector 12 which comprises a seat 13 which is connected with the floor of the plane 10 through the instrumentality of a collapsible gas chamber 14.

The gas chamber 14 comprises a plurality of telescoping members 15 each of which is provided with an outwardly extending marginal flange 16 at one end thereof and an inwardly extending flange 17 at the opposite end thereof.

The flanges 16 and 17 cooperate to limit th'eexpansion of the gas chamber and yet are in gas tight engagement with the bodies of the members 15 at all times to pr-vent the escape of gas. The inner member 15 is secured to the floor of the plane through its 30 flange 17 by means of securing elements 18 and the outer member 15 is secured to the seat 13 through its flange 16,by securing elements 19. r

Itis obvious that other forms of gas chamber such for example the well known bellows could be employed, it being essential that the chamber be collapsible and expansible and gas tight.

Pivotally secured at 21 to the under side of the seat 13 is a locking pin 22 which is adapted to project through an aperture 23 in the floor of the plane, the locking pin being apertured to receive an end of the rod 24 as shown in Figure 1 to hold the seat 13 in proximity to the floor of -the plane with the gas chamber collapsed.

The rod 24 is reciprocally mounted in guides 25 and is providedwith a foot actuating member 26 any other suitable pin looking means may be used.

It is essential that the pin 22 accurately fit the aperture 23 in order that gas cannot escape from the chamber 14.

The chamber 14 is adapted to be filled with compressed air or gas to exert a force against the seat tending to throw it outward from the floor. To assist the gas or air pressure a' coilspring 27 is employed which has its opposite ends suitably secured to the seat and floor respectively.

The device 12 is adapted to eject the occupant of the airplane therefrom by the action of the gas or compressed air upon releasing the locking pin 22 through the rod 24. In

' order to effect a safe landing after having been ejected from the plane a suitable inflatable suit or wrap 28 is worn by the occupant as is illustrated in Figures 3 and' 4 which in a non-inflated condition nearly costumes the occupant in a non-clumsy manner and is in no way cumbersome. The suit or wrap may be constructed of any light material impervious to gas.

In order to inflate the suit or Wrap the occupant is attired with one or more vessel 29 filled with compressed air.

As is illustrated in Figures 3 and 4, two such vessels may be conveniently suspended from the shoulders by means of suitable straps 30, one vessel in front and one back.

Each vessel is in communication withthe inflatable suit as indicated at 31 and each is provided with a suitable valve 32.

Operation The occupant or pilot of the airplane assumes his position in the usual manner sitting on the seat 13. When it becomes apparent that something has gone wrong with the plane, the occupant engages the member 26 with his foot pushing forward and releasing the rod 24 from the in 22 whereupon he is immediately thrown om the plane as shown in Figure 4, due to the sudden expansion of the chamber 14 through the combined action of the gas and spring 27.

Simultaneous with the action, the occupant actuates the valves 32 of the vessels 29 which immediately inflate the suitor wrap and as a consequence he descends slowly and lands safely, and should he alight in water the infiated suit will enable him to float until assistance is secured should be otherwise be unable to rescue himself. While I have shown and described one specific embodiment of my invention it is to be understood that I am not limited thereto, but reserve the right to make such changes or alterations as fairly come within the scope of the appended claims.

What claim and desire to secure by United States Letters Patent is "1.-' In combination with the floor of an airplane, a collapsible gas chamber having one end secured thereto, a seat secured to the op posite end of the chamber, a coil spring within said chamber having its opposite ends secured to said floor and said seat respectively, a locking member carried by said seat, and means supported by said floor adapted to cooperate with said locking member to hold said chamber and spring collapsed.

2. Apparatus for safe landing from an airplane comprising a normally retracted seat; and combined fluid operated and mechanical means adapted to momentarily distend said seat to eject the occupant of the airplane therefrom.

3. Apparatus for safe landing from an airplane comprising a seat; an expansible member between said seat and the floor of said airplane; a collapsible fluid chamber between said seat and the floor and in which said expansible member is housed; and means for normally holding said seat retracted against the action of said expansible member and said chamber collapsed.

4(Apparatus for effecting safe landing from an airplane comprising combined mechanical and fiuid means associated with an airplane for ejecting an occupant therefrom; and inflatable means for effecting sa'l'c descent of said'occupant after ejection from said airplane.

In testimony whereof, I affix my signature.

' J OHANN JULIUS BRAUN.

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